Ban On Cable Barriers

NMCU (Norsk Motorcykkel Union) the riders organisation in Norway, have announced that a ban on the use of cable barriers in their country has been upheld.

“Forces” in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, had wanted the ban to be repealed, fortunately the issue was put out to a wide consultation.

NMCU argued mainly on the points that the reintroduction of cable barriers would not provide any documented gains – neither economic, practical or traffic safety.

At Right To Ride in the past we have reported extensively regarding “vehicle restraint systems” and reported that the problem with cable barriers, is not the “cheese-cutter” effect that is so often quoted by riders but as highlighted in a study carried out by DEKRA (Germany) and the University of Monash (Australia) in 2005 states that:

“In all simulations the motorcycle slides along the wires until it hits a post, squeezing and trapping the rider’s leg against the wires as it does so. The post contact causes the motorcycle’s front wheel to snag lifting the front of the motorcycle up and throwing the rider’s torso and head forward.”

“Because the rider’s leg is trapped between the motorcycle and the wire ropes and the foot snags in the ropes, the head and torso slap into the front of the rising motorcycle. Eventually the leg becomes free as the motorcycle rotates and the rider is then catapulted over the barrier”

In the UK we as motorcyclists can only dream that our road authorities would ban these controversal barriers.

Norway: Ban On Cable Barriers Upheld

30th September 2013

In 2006 the then transport minister introduced a ban on cable barriers in Norway.

The ban was introduced with regards to the safety of motorcyclists.

Forces in the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, however, wanted the ban to be repealed and therefore sent the case on a wide consultation, with a deadline in May last year.

NMCU filed a comprehensive response to the hearing and argued strongly that the ban should be maintained.

NMCUs main arguments was that cable barriers are more dangerous for motorcyclists than other types of barriers, that there are adequate alternatives to cable barriers and that the reintroduction of cable barriers would not provide any documented gains – neither economic, practical or traffic safety.

In a press release issued 27th September the Ministry of Transport says the request from Norwegian Public Roads Administration has been considered and that the Ministry has decided to uphold the ban.

The grounds for this decision are motorcyclists’ sense of insecurity for this type of barrier, the high maintenance costs and the fact that there are equal alternatives, even for use on narrow roads.

In addition, the Ministry mentions that the political agreement that was the basis for the ban in 2006 continued when Parliament considered the National Transport 2014-2023.

In this process several different party constellations in Transportation Committee had tabled comments supporting the ban on cable barriers.

NMCU is pleased with the Ministry’s wise decision and suggests that this matter is now parked for good.

There are several barrier solutions on the market that satisfy all road users’ safety needs, that do not cost more when all costs are included in the calculation, and which in addition is both practical and has a nice design.

NMCU’s media contact, Hans Petter Strifeld, says: Cable barriers are history, let’s instead work together and find the best and most cost effective solutions among the barrier alternatives on the market.

Comments Will No Longer Be Posted

We think we see what you are getting at now – that the next step in making the road infrastructure safe for motorcycles would be to ban everything possible that might hurt a rider?

However if you read the article, although a ban had been upheld what NMCU say is, “…there are adequate alternatives to cable barriers and that the reintroduction of cable barriers would not provide any documented gains – neither economic, practical or traffic safety.” and “There are several barrier solutions on the market that satisfy all road users’ safety needs, that do not cost more when all costs are included in the calculation, and which in addition is both practical and has a nice design.”

So yes although there is a ban there are alternatives.

As for what next to ban – stop signs – boulders – trees.

Again there are other alternatives that are seen as “motorcycle friendly” and protective solutions, that are also “motorcycle friendly”.

For guardrails, systems usually consist of a lower rail or a covering that protects the exposed posts of the barrier being stuck.

For posts, lamposts and stop signs, there is for example Biker-Mate – website off course it may be a simple measure to move these and other road funiture back so there is less likelyhood of them being struck.

The picture of Biker-Mate is from Norway and Norway and the riders group there, NMCU and their roads administration, seem to be away ahead of looking after riders.

There is no need to ban boulders are trees because with common sense, Norway again, the roads infrastructure can be made motorcycle friendly.

In 2008, the Norwegian Government created a 15 kilometre ‘Vision Zero’ road, first of ongoing projects, which focussed on road environment issues in order to create a “motorcycle friendly” road ”Vision Zero Motorycle Road”

What we know from NMCU is that this type of road management, taking into consideration motorcyclists is taking place in four more counties – with other counties to follow.

There have been subrails put up on some crash barriers in dangerous outer curves. These are not a one off, there is a written agreement on road safety between NMCU and the NPRA (Norwegian Road Authorities) which will also be included a “National strategy for motorcycles and mopeds” to be published.

For Northern Ireland the Road Safety Strategy to 2020 includes an action point, to consider provision of specific route treatments for popular motorcycle ‘runs’ such as motorcycle ‘friendly’ barriers and additional signing.

This consideration has now being discussed with our Roads Service, through the Motorcycle Safety Forum and a suitable route is being identified to start with.

So onwards and upwards and not so much banning but a bit of modification and jiggling of the roads infrastructure to the advantage of riders!!

Then again if a ban stopped this from happing to a rider then lets ban away!

Investigative Research NI

Speaking Your Mind Full List

On Facebook

By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies

Thank You For Visiting Right To Ride EU

The site has now been Archived - we hope you have found the information helpful in the past
However you can still view and explore the site

We would like to thank all those individual riders, clubs, groups and businesses who have supported us and helped us in our endeavours since 2009 to, “officially” – promote awareness and understanding of training, environmental road safety and security issues relating to the use of those vehicles classed in law as motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, motorcycle combinations and tricycles and to research and investigate solutions to these topics.